About

About Amy Ho Artist

The Boring Stuff

At the time of writing this on the 6th of February 2024, I am 36 years of age. I was born in the UK, grew up in the heart of West Cork, Ireland and now live near Kinsale with my husband and two boys whom I love dearly. (awwww)

How did you start this business?

This is actually my second business. The first stemmed from my eco anxiety surrounding disposable nappies as I became more eco conscious on pregnancy number two. I made the decision to use reusable nappies (along with reusable everything) and wanted to share my knowledge with others. I set up 'The Nappy Camper' when I took a career break from my part time job. I would give group talks and private consultations on how to use them as well as selling nappies and accessories at markets.

The Lightbulb Moment

It was at my very first market with that business that I realised, I was going to be an artist. I had just finished setting up my table, sat down and was looking at who was around me. I distinctly remember telling myself that one day I will be at a market as an artist. This was my lightbulb moment and the seed was planted that day. Fast forward to the dreaded year of 2020,where, like so many others I took up drawing again. But not like so many others, I kept it up when the world returned to "normal". 

I could tell you I had to close my first business because of the pandemic and Brexit which did impact it massively but the truth is that I stood in my own way. Mindset is everything when you run a business. I self sabotaged and gave up. My heart or mind wasn't in it any more. 

Enter Amy Ho Artist

I began this business focussing on Asian inspired art which I loved and still do but I began to feel trapped in a box. I wanted to explore other areas of work and felt I couldn't because my new work did not fit "the brand". So I took a break during the Summer of 2023 and relaunched the art business you see now in December 2024. 

Dark and Light

I settled upon categorising my work into dark and light because my brain is very black and white. I used to think something or even someone is either good or bad, happy or sad etc.  I am slowly learning nuance and realising that more than one thing can be true at the same time and that people and situations are complex. I have been to some really dark places in my mind and I suppose working in black and white helps me express that. On the other side of the coin, I need to work with colour and light sometimes too because I'm not always in that dark space. I like to try and find a balance. I am uncertain as to where I will go with this business and the 'before' me would have freaked out over that but I've learned to be ok with not knowing and just trying anyway. Life's an experiment after all. 

Connection

I love connecting with people and often (other artists will agree I'm sure), it gets very lonely running your own business, especially when it's just you wearing all the hats and juggling all the plates. If you would like to connect further you can subscribe to my email list, drop me an email on amyhoart@gmail.com or find me on Instagram here or on Facebook here.